The holidays are great, but they can also be stressful. Holiday shopping, end-of-year parties, running from here to there trying to get it all done, staying present for children and families. It can all really take a toll on your mental health and your body. The holiday season is joyful, but it’s also known for being a time of year where stress can lead to heart attacks and stroke, so let’s talk about how to stay healthy. I reached out to Dr. Thomas O’Brien, a cardiologist with The Christ Hospital Physicians – Heart & Vascular, for some info on how to stay heart healthy during the holiday season.
When to seek help
We all know what it feels like to be stressed, but how are you supposed to know when those stressful symptoms are more? Dr. O’Brien said, “Stress affects both the mind and the body—showing up in different ways for each person. Most of us now have smart watches or rings that give us personal biofeedback and can alert us to an increased heart rate or blood pressure. When we get these alerts, we need to take a moment of self-reflection to understand what it may mean.
“If those alerts coincide with rushing around in the holiday hustle, or if they occur in the midst of an emotional upset, then we can more easily explain them away. And if we then step away from the stress, we should see those numbers settle. However, if the blood pressure and heart rate alerts come seemingly out of the blue, or they don't settle down with rest, then your body maybe be fighting something more than stress. Seek the care of a healthcare provider to get answers.”
A cardiologist’s tips
There is a lot we can do to help live healthier lives during the holidays to alleviate some of that stress. I asked Dr. O’Brien for his top three tips on how to live heart healthy during the holiday season.
Tip #1: Stay Active!
Balance all the food-focused fun with activities that keep you active and moving—whether it be a power walk or playing ball with the kids or decking the halls with holiday decor. Get up, get going—and earn extra credit for doing it after dinner!
Tip #2: Plan to enjoy your favorite treat!
That's right, I'm giving doctor's permission to indulge. Here's the catch: You should plan ahead for your splurge. If you take the element of surprise away, even take the guilt away, then you won't be as tempted to eat your emotions. You can enjoy that special treat—and still have the willpower to not overdo it. This is another way to embrace the old adage 'everything in moderation.' If you are going to get your favorite treat, then you can say no to the other treats nearby.
Tip #3: Listen to your body!
If bad weather arrives and you suddenly find yourself shoveling snow or braving very cold temperatures, then remember that your body will be under an extra amount of stress. So, if you feel uneasy, possibly with chest discomfort or unusual shortness of breath, don't just shrug it off. These could be warning signs of heart problems. Take the warning and get checked out by a healthcare provider!
If you’d like more information about Dr. Thomas O’Brien at The Christ Hospital or would like to book an appointment, click here.